How can we help?

Keeping your property secure

19/3/2018 12:11:59 PM

It pays to secure your home. Insurance companies offer discounts to houses with alarms and good quality locks. It can also help if you’re part of a Home Watch group. Here’s a quick guide to help you improve home security:

Insurance

Check your insurance policy to see the level of security required on your home. Check the small print and phone them up if you’re not sure.

External doors and windows

Locks depend on the quality of wood in the door and frame. Consider getting a builder or joiner to secure the door frame to the brickwork before fitting any extra locks.

Mortice locks add extra protection to your doors. Choose locks that conform to British Standards (BS3621) - or one that has at least five levers. Check the door is thick enough to accept the lock and keep its strength. Speak to a qualified locksmith for advice.

Mortise bolts are useful, but not suitable on doors you regularly use to leave your house.

Patio doors can be protected by fitting purpose-made locks or a security bar. Talk to a locksmith for advice.

French windows: the lock securing one door into the other is only as strong as the door. Fit mortise bolts to the top and bottom of each opening door. Bolts should be fitted to go into the frame - not the other door.

Window locks that pull the window into the frame with a key are normally stronger.

Double glazing: check that it’s not just the handle that stops a window from opening. You should need a key to unlock the window. Look for the following British Standards when choosing double glazing: BS 7950 (security performance); BS 7412 (window performance).

Window Shock Alarms

Watch this 60 second video to help keep you and your property that little bit safer. Window Shock Alarms are low cost devices that attach to windows or glass and sound on vibration which is usually enough to deter potential burglars.

Greater Manchester Police have produced a series of ‘60 Second Security’ videos on simple security advice. They provide easy step-by-step tips, including advice on products and how to install and use them, helping to make you and your property that little bit safer.

Door Chimes

A thief would much rather come and go unnoticed and these types of sneak in burglaries account for around a third of all burglaries. Door Chimes act as a reminder just in case you forget to lock the door or you are distracted, which is easily done.

Greater Manchester Police have produced a series of ‘60 Second Security’ videos on simple security advice. They provide easy step-by-step tips, including advice on products and how to install and use them, helping to make you and your property that little bit safer.

House Keys

Don’t leave spare keys about your home. They are always best left with a neighbour, friend or relative.

If a burglar enters your home using your lost or stolen keys you may find you’re not insured. Similarly, if a vehicle is stolen using your keys you may not be insured.

The best place for a door key is with you or at the side of your bed. The most important rule is that your safety in a fire is more important than property protection.

CCTV

This is becoming more popular as costs reduce. However, there are many issues to consider before getting CCTV installed in your home. Advice can be found at:

Beware of fire

Good security is designed to stop burglars getting in - not people getting out. Always close (but don’t lock) internal doors at night. They hold fire at bay and give you valuable time in the event of a fire. Always keep your keys close to make sure you’re not delayed in an emergency. Fit a smoke alarm to give an early fire warning.